Secondary Education
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Secondary education teachers can have great impact on the social, personal, and intellectual development of high school students. Their influence stems from a love of learning, a talent for awakening students to new modes of thinking, an understanding of the human development process, and professional skills.
Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand their educational and emotional needs. They also should be organized, dependable, patient, and creative. A general description of teacher work activities includes: planning courses; instructing students; evaluating student performance; supervising student activities; performing administrative duties; advising students; interacting with faculty, parents, and employers; and keeping up with developments in the field.
While specific course requirements vary among disciplines, most teachers will fulfill the academic requirements of a major in a chosen field; be literate in the history, philosophy, psychology, sociology and methodology of education; and have developed initial teaching skills through supervised clinical experiences. Certification is required for public school teachers (k-12) in all 50 states, some states offer alternative teacher certification programs to attract otherwise qualified persons into the field. Aspiring teachers who need certification may also enter programs that grant a master’s degree in education, as well as certification.
Use the following examples of employment opportunities for Secondary Education majors as an idea list, and remember that it represents some, but certainly not all, of the careers you might consider. Some of these jobs also require education beyond the bachelors’ degree.
Related Career Titles
Secondary education teachers can have great impact on the social, personal, and intellectual development of high school students. Their influence stems from a love of learning, a talent for awakening students to new modes of thinking, an understanding of the human development process, and professional skills.
Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand their educational and emotional needs. They also should be organized, dependable, patient, and creative. A general description of teacher work activities includes: planning courses; instructing students; evaluating student performance; supervising student activities; performing administrative duties; advising students; interacting with faculty, parents, and employers; and keeping up with developments in the field.
While specific course requirements vary among disciplines, most teachers will fulfill the academic requirements of a major in a chosen field; be literate in the history, philosophy, psychology, sociology and methodology of education; and have developed initial teaching skills through supervised clinical experiences. Certification is required for public school teachers (k-12) in all 50 states, some states offer alternative teacher certification programs to attract otherwise qualified persons into the field. Aspiring teachers who need certification may also enter programs that grant a master’s degree in education, as well as certification.
Use the following examples of employment opportunities for Secondary Education majors as an idea list, and remember that it represents some, but certainly not all, of the careers you might consider. Some of these jobs also require education beyond the bachelors’ degree.
Related Career Titles
| Adult Education Teacher Alumni Relations Coordinator Athletic Coach Athletic Director Curriculum Specialist Education Management Specialist Educational Administrator Educational Materials Sales Representative Educational Researcher Educational Resource Coordinator Educational Therapist Guidance Counselor Historic Site Administrator Instructor, College/University LibrarianMedia Center Specialist | Missionary Worker Physical Education Instructor Religious Institution Education Coordinator Resource Teacher School PsychologistSecondary /High School Teacher Special Education Teacher Student Admissions Administrator Student Affairs Administrator Student Personnel Administrator Teacher, Adventure/Outdoor Education Teacher, Industrial Arts Training Specialist Tutor Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor |
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National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
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